The Costume Journal is dedicated to my adoration of luscious silks, bundles of historical patterns, sewing projects, and every costumed event that has ever given me an excuse to make a new outfit from a by-gone era.

Monday, September 24, 2012

....the most wonderful time for a costumer, that is. All Hallows Eve approaches which means lots of sewing for me. I've taken on a few Costume Diva commissions, and am still open for a few more if you get your orders in by October 8th. I thought I'd show off a commission I made last year that I never got around to posting.

My good friend Lauren from high school gave me free reign, and told me she wanted a spooky Victorian costume, using Disney's Haunted Mansion as my inspiration. For my pattern I used Simplicity 2207 (a new Steampunk collection they came out with last year). I dove into my local Fabric store's $2 bin and managed to find the fabulous black and white striped twill that the dress is made out of. I trimmed it with black tulle and a deep burgundy crepe. I had tons of tulle left over when I was finished with the trim and tulle bustle, so I decided to make a tulle shawl with silk rose petals sandwiched in the layers.

Lauren had a great time playing a Victorian Vampire, and she really brought this costume to life!!

About Me

After seeing the Opera of Leningrad's costumes when I was 9, and a visit to the Musee de la Mode et de la Costume when I was 10, I was hooked. My sewing and historical clothing education have been through reading alone. I have a busy full-time career that has nothing to do with costuming - historical costuming is my creative outlet.

Commissions

I gladly accept commissions for period historical clothes. I will do my best to work with your budget. All requests will receive a free project proposal. Contact me through thecostumediva@gmail.com. I look forward to working with you and designing the outfit of your dreams.